Owners have filed 230 complaints
about the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 73
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Sonic. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 67
13% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 69
40% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2014 compares with every other Chevrolet Sonic
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1810.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2011.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
169.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2615.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
5029.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2313.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
148.3%
150,000+ miles
10.6%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2014 Chevrolet Sonic 5 DR FWD
12.6% risk
2014 Chevrolet Sonic 4 DR FWD
12.6% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Apr 2014peak 13Apr 2026
Recalls on the 2014 Chevrolet Sonic
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201705130,330 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. The headlamp high-beam lens is not marked with the bulb type, contrary to the requirements of the standard. Correction: An manufacturing change has been undertaken to prevent this non-compliance condition from continuing. No corrective recall action is required as the non-compliance condition is deemed to be non-safety related.
Recall 201619129,849 units in Canada
Electrical
Certain vehicles equipped with a "Bring Your Own Media" (BYOM) radio may fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 114 - Theft Protection and Rollaway Protection. The radio software may fail to provide an audible warning/reminder chime that meets the requirements of the standard if the ignition key is left in the off position and the driver delays opening the driver’s door for more than 10 minutes, or opens and closes the door several times. The loss of an audible warning when a key is left in the ignition may increase the risk of vehicle theft. Correction: Dealers will reprogram the radio with corrected operating software.
Recall 201438231 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, a loss of electrical connection in the steering column may prevent the second stage of the driver’s front airbag from deploying in crash events where second stage deployment is warranted. This could increase the risk of injury to the driver. Correction: Dealers will test the terminals in the clock spring connector, and any loose terminals found will be replaced.
Recall 201427417,144 units in Canada
Accessories
On certain vehicles, insulation on the engine block heater power cord may become damaged if the cord is handled during very cold days (temperatures below -25C). This could create an electrical shock hazard, which could result in personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the block heater cord.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 60,000 milesAmarillo, TXFire
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while his spouse was driving approximately 35 MPH she noticed smoke being emitted from under the hood. The contact stated his spouse saw no warning light being illuminated. The spouse pulled off to the side of the road and exited the vehicle safely when a fire began to burn from under the hood. The fire department was called and extinguished the flames with water. The police were also on the scene and wrote an incident report. The contact had the vehicle towed to his residence. The contact was advised by his insurance provider that the vehicle would be listed as a total loss. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11468254 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesWeatherford, TXCrash3 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds approaching a parking lot and slowing down to turn, the vehicle behind was speeding and crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle then flew forward and crashed into a pole. No airbags deployed. The passenger in the driver's side rear seat sustained whiplash to the neck. The contact and her daughter sustained minor injuries to the right hip, right knee, and right shoulder. A police report was filed. The passenger in the driver's side rear seat was treated via ambulance and the contact and her daughter received medical attention from a chiropractor. The police towed the vehicle to a lot where it was deemed a total loss. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that no recalls were under the VIN. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and started an investigation. The failure mileage was approximate 88,000
NHTSA complaint #11425666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesWaterbury, CTCrash
STEERING
THE BUTTON ON MY GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK FOR A FEW MONTHS AND THEN IT BROKE RESULTING IN ME CRASHING INTO A PARKED CAR BECAUSE I LOST CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #11378427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesWaterbury, CTCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE BUTTON ON MY GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK FOR A FEW MONTHS AND THEN IT BROKE RESULTING IN ME CRASHING INTO A PARKED CAR BECAUSE I LOST CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #11378427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesFort Pierce, FLCrash
POWER TRAIN
THE BUTTON ON THE SIFTER HANDLE HAS BROKEN AND GETS STUCK IN ALLOWING THE SHIFT HANDLE TO MOVE FREELY. THIS HAS CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS ALSO ALLOWED MY VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE ON ITS OWN WHILE SITTING IN THE PARKED POSITION. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN GOING ON IN A LOT OF THE SONIC AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED. MY VEHICLE HAS ALSO SHIFTED INTO REVERSE AND HIT ANOTHER VEHICLE PARKED BEHIND ME.
NHTSA complaint #11139035 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,700 milesGlendale, AZCrash
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I HIT A STATIONARY SUV FROM THE BACK, I WAS TRAVELING 30-35 MPH PER THE POLICE REPORT THROUGH A LARGE CITY INTERSECTION. MY SONIC WAS HIT HARD ON THE WHOLE FRONT LEFT (DRIVER SIDE) THE CAR WAS TOTALED AND WAS REPORTED TO HAVE A LOT OF LEFT FRAME DAMAGE. DURING THIS ACCIDENT MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NO AMBULANCE WAS CALLED BUT I WAS TAKEN TO THE VA TO RECEIVE TREATMENT FOR MY BACK PAIN FROM THE ACCIDENT. I HAVE BEEN INFORMED THAT BASED ON THE HARD HIT AND THE AMAZING OF DAMAGE MY AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED FOR MY SAFETY. THE REASON THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY IS UNKNOWN TO ME.
NHTSA complaint #11123103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Berea, OH
STEERING
Power steering light came on while Driving and lost power steering assist control. Almost crashed while turning down the street.
NHTSA complaint #11734965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainfield, IN
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electric My coolant And leaking issues My car door look when keys are inside ignition
NHTSA complaint #11721600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainfield, IN
ENGINE
Electric My coolant And leaking issues My car door look when keys are inside ignition
NHTSA complaint #11721600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Plainfield, IN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Electric My coolant And leaking issues My car door look when keys are inside ignition
NHTSA complaint #11721600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olive Hill, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
It gets hot fast when idle Radiator leaks , leaks coolant burns oil
NHTSA complaint #11719576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olive Hill, KY
ENGINE
It gets hot fast when idle Radiator leaks , leaks coolant burns oil
NHTSA complaint #11719576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Olive Hill, KY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
It gets hot fast when idle Radiator leaks , leaks coolant burns oil
NHTSA complaint #11719576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Schaumburg, IL
ENGINE
Around April of 2025, I noticed loud engine noises and cold start loud noises coming from the engine. My car has been in the shop multiple times since then and I opened a case with GM about multiple repair issues with my 2014 Chevy Sonic LT even though I take excellent care of the vehicle and perform all maintenance on the vehicle, and now this loud engine noise issue and leaking oil. I was driving home from a relative's home Saturday night Dec 27th late evening on the expressway when I noticed my car driving very sluggish and jerking and make extremely loud engine noises and continued burning oil smell in the cabin of the vehicle. No check engine light or oil light, now I had stopped by the service department earlier in the week when and oil pressure light came on, and they stated no issues. I made it home without incident, but the car was not running right. The car was brought to the dealership service department Monday Dec 29th, and they informed me they found broken plastic pieces of guard rails that secure the timing chains in the engine which may have caused serious damage to the engine. The dealership wanted 4k dollars to repair it after they could not properly diagnose a known online issue that I found out a lot of these Chevy drivers have found out about and having me repair other items on the car instead of fixing the leaking oil problem and whatever was going on in the engine. The manufacturer has not inspected this issue now only the service department at the local Chevy dealership has, however I had a case open with GM before this final incident occurred on Nov 1st after my last repair and complaint to the dealership about loud engine noises. GM would not take my concerns seriously and stated we are sorry, but your car is out of warranty even though this is a known issue of this plastic guard rail failing and other serious engine issues with Chevy. I would like the NHTSA to be involved in this matter and investigate this matter if possible.
NHTSA complaint #11708125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
EQUIPMENT
The contact owns a 2014 Chevrolet Sonic. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the A/C failed to function as intended. The contact stated that there was hot air blowing from the vents at all time. In addition, the contact stated there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine, with an abnormal fuel burning odor on the interior and exterior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V417000 (EQUIPMENT). The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11665346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Green Forest, AR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Factory Radio. It will turn on and there is sound, but the screen is frozen. You can see everything on the screen, but if you press something on there it doesn’t do anything. Also, you can’t control it from the steering wheel either. I already removed the battery cables for 30 minutes and that didn’t correct the issue. It’s my opinion that the radio needs a software update. I have seen where other Chevy Sonic models and different years have had this exact issue with the radio, because you recalled and fixed them. This issue needs to be corrected.
NHTSA complaint #11627237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wakefield, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle keeps throwing error code P2138 there is a current known issue that GM is aware of see notice 070604019F. Water gets in the electrical connections of sensors and is an issue as it causes check engine light and can decrease power of the acceleration of the vehicle which is a safety hazard. My vehicle has been with the dealer now for a third time for same issue. They’ve had it for 3 weeks and 2 days total. Still an issue.
NHTSA complaint #11619905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shakopee, MN
SEAT BELTS
The pretensioner cable that secures the end of the seatbelt to the seat frame had severed. I am told the pretensioner has a small explosive inside its barrel that I assume releases some sort of spring internally upon impact of a collision. The release of this spring is supposed to pull the pretensioner cable downwards and by extension pull the seatbelt end tighter. This in conjunction with the seatbelt retractor would then keep the driver or passenger tight to the seat in the event of an accident. I notice the cable for the driver side pretensioner over the last few months had strands of steel breaking until it had finally completely severed. I have kept both halves of the severed cable if inspection is requested. This is an extremely unsafe situation to occur. Had I gotten into an accident with the cable partially or completely broken it would have rendered the seatbelt essentially useless. There were no warning lights or associated codes ever displayed from the vehicle’s computer. There were no inspections done by insurance, police, manufacturer, dealership or any others. I ended up ordering the part online to fix myself. I used all manufacturers torque specs and procedures to replace. I fixed it myself because it was my daily driver vehicle and I needed to have it working safely as soon as possible. When I noticed the cable had completely broken I drove my vehicle home and did not drive it again until I had the new part and it was replaced which was about two weeks later. I had asked the dealer and searched for recalls for my vehicle and neither the dealer nor the nhtsa recall search showed anything regarding issues with the pretensioner cable. I did end up seeing GM had issued a recall for a similar pretensioner cable (about 2500 vehicles) for a few of their full sized trucks and SUVs. The claim was based on where the cable was in the vehicle it had abnormal amounts of metal fatigue from drivers exiting and entering. I believe the same issue happened to me.
NHTSA complaint #11603215 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salinas, CA
AIR BAGS
"off" remains illuminated on my passenger airbag light whether or not someone is sitting in the passenger seat. It's actually somewhat rare to see "on" illuminated. There was a recall on this model for airbag issues but my vehicle specifically was not recalled. My vehicle was recalled for catalytic converter but I'm still getting codes. Most of the problems the Sonic has been recalled for, my vehicle has symptoms of but I get cannot afford to pay repair cost up front and I cannot find a mechanic who would be willing to take the steps to report my vehicle should've been apart of the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11596073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salinas, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
"off" remains illuminated on my passenger airbag light whether or not someone is sitting in the passenger seat. It's actually somewhat rare to see "on" illuminated. There was a recall on this model for airbag issues but my vehicle specifically was not recalled. My vehicle was recalled for catalytic converter but I'm still getting codes. Most of the problems the Sonic has been recalled for, my vehicle has symptoms of but I get cannot afford to pay repair cost up front and I cannot find a mechanic who would be willing to take the steps to report my vehicle should've been apart of the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11596073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austin, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The car is completely shutting off all power while driving. The doors will start locking and unlocking and the no power at all. I have taken it to multiple mechanic and it reads no codes. It has done this to me on the Highway. car was completely stopped and i was very lucky a car did not hit me. it usually will start again after shutting down
NHTSA complaint #11594533 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middletown, OH
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When turning the vehicle off, the key refused to come out. Saw online that many other people were also having this issue and I believe it should be a recall. I also discovered my head gasket has water in it, and it's a common issue that many vehicles like mine are having.
NHTSA complaint #11581685 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prince George, VA
POWER TRAIN
My auto started out with a Check Engine Light. I noticed the engine smelled of overheated radiator and coolant smell. Parts were replaced for fix (Hose)...but check engine light continued as well as the overheated coolant smell. The auto was placed for checking on machine for codes for check engine light, but none of codes made sense to Mechanic. Told to bring back for further testing/looks. Brought back several times. No idea what was wrong but last time I was told I needed to leave for extended testing and test driving as gears were not shifting in D struggled engine for me, no acceleration and RPMs raced at times. (Dangerous and unpredictable on highway and in town). Now I turned in for testing to Chev Mechanic, and now am facing a part that was replaced in control of electrical (over $500) and after they repaired that and tested I am told that I have a TOTAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR over $5200 - for a 2014 auto!!! It was in with dealership mechanics a total of 6-7 times. I was informed the electrical controls were confusing the engine reactions. Auto a dealers for $5200 + $500 repairs now 20230702 and problems seen & looked at since March for smell of overheating radiator, fix if hose (wonder if really needed), continued check engine light, refill of radiator fluid, codes checked and did not give correct evaluation. Eventually the transmission needs replaced out, at time that there is RPM revs, no acceleration while driving and gears heard to struggle in engine. Mileage now over 97000. Estimate on mileage, i do not have all documentation before me. Extended Powertrain warranty from dealership started at year 2015!!! Anything older not allowed, so I am told I have to pay the entire bill.
NHTSA complaint #11530002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prince George, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My auto started out with a Check Engine Light. I noticed the engine smelled of overheated radiator and coolant smell. Parts were replaced for fix (Hose)...but check engine light continued as well as the overheated coolant smell. The auto was placed for checking on machine for codes for check engine light, but none of codes made sense to Mechanic. Told to bring back for further testing/looks. Brought back several times. No idea what was wrong but last time I was told I needed to leave for extended testing and test driving as gears were not shifting in D struggled engine for me, no acceleration and RPMs raced at times. (Dangerous and unpredictable on highway and in town). Now I turned in for testing to Chev Mechanic, and now am facing a part that was replaced in control of electrical (over $500) and after they repaired that and tested I am told that I have a TOTAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR over $5200 - for a 2014 auto!!! It was in with dealership mechanics a total of 6-7 times. I was informed the electrical controls were confusing the engine reactions. Auto a dealers for $5200 + $500 repairs now 20230702 and problems seen & looked at since March for smell of overheating radiator, fix if hose (wonder if really needed), continued check engine light, refill of radiator fluid, codes checked and did not give correct evaluation. Eventually the transmission needs replaced out, at time that there is RPM revs, no acceleration while driving and gears heard to struggle in engine. Mileage now over 97000. Estimate on mileage, i do not have all documentation before me. Extended Powertrain warranty from dealership started at year 2015!!! Anything older not allowed, so I am told I have to pay the entire bill.
NHTSA complaint #11530002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Prince George, VA
ENGINE
My auto started out with a Check Engine Light. I noticed the engine smelled of overheated radiator and coolant smell. Parts were replaced for fix (Hose)...but check engine light continued as well as the overheated coolant smell. The auto was placed for checking on machine for codes for check engine light, but none of codes made sense to Mechanic. Told to bring back for further testing/looks. Brought back several times. No idea what was wrong but last time I was told I needed to leave for extended testing and test driving as gears were not shifting in D struggled engine for me, no acceleration and RPMs raced at times. (Dangerous and unpredictable on highway and in town). Now I turned in for testing to Chev Mechanic, and now am facing a part that was replaced in control of electrical (over $500) and after they repaired that and tested I am told that I have a TOTAL TRANSMISSION REPAIR over $5200 - for a 2014 auto!!! It was in with dealership mechanics a total of 6-7 times. I was informed the electrical controls were confusing the engine reactions. Auto a dealers for $5200 + $500 repairs now 20230702 and problems seen & looked at since March for smell of overheating radiator, fix if hose (wonder if really needed), continued check engine light, refill of radiator fluid, codes checked and did not give correct evaluation. Eventually the transmission needs replaced out, at time that there is RPM revs, no acceleration while driving and gears heard to struggle in engine. Mileage now over 97000. Estimate on mileage, i do not have all documentation before me. Extended Powertrain warranty from dealership started at year 2015!!! Anything older not allowed, so I am told I have to pay the entire bill.
NHTSA complaint #11530002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Guyton, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car has problems starting after gas is put in it u have to step on gas peddle several times to get it to start car does not have working backup camera in it or even a working radio in it car has a check engine light on I took it to were I ought it twice they cleared codes out of car but codes come back on all the time I would like to exchange this vehicle if possible can u help me Manns Performance Vidalia Ga 30474 is were it was purchased 6/01/2023 this has been a issue since I got from dealership crack in window after having it two weeks even with windows cracked sitting in the yard
NHTSA complaint #11528587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Guyton, GA
ENGINE
Car has problems starting after gas is put in it u have to step on gas peddle several times to get it to start car does not have working backup camera in it or even a working radio in it car has a check engine light on I took it to were I ought it twice they cleared codes out of car but codes come back on all the time I would like to exchange this vehicle if possible can u help me Manns Performance Vidalia Ga 30474 is were it was purchased 6/01/2023 this has been a issue since I got from dealership crack in window after having it two weeks even with windows cracked sitting in the yard
NHTSA complaint #11528587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Guyton, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car has problems starting after gas is put in it u have to step on gas peddle several times to get it to start car does not have working backup camera in it or even a working radio in it car has a check engine light on I took it to were I ought it twice they cleared codes out of car but codes come back on all the time I would like to exchange this vehicle if possible can u help me Manns Performance Vidalia Ga 30474 is were it was purchased 6/01/2023 this has been a issue since I got from dealership crack in window after having it two weeks even with windows cracked sitting in the yard
NHTSA complaint #11528587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Durham, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2014 CHEVROLET SONIC. CONSUMER IS SEEKING REIMBRSEMENT FOR REPAIRS MADE TO VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED AN ADDITIONAL $1,468.61 IN EXTRA REPAIRS (REPLACING FRONT STRUTS, SHOCKS, SWAY LINK BAR AND PIA EVAPORATOR PURGE VALVE). THESE REPAIRS WERE DONE BEFORE 90,000MILES. THE FOLLOWING YEAR THE CONSUMER SPENT $1,930.75 ON EXTRA REPAIRS WHICH INCLUDED REPLACING THE WATER OUTLET, THERMOSTAT HOUSING, A/C COMPRESSOR AND CLUTCH AND ALL DONE AT 101,00MILES. AND THIS YEAR CURRENTLY $4501.50. HERE IS A LIST OF THOSE REPAIRS: 1)BOTH OXYGEN SENSORS ON 1/3/2023 - $232.97 2) THE FRONT CV SHAFT ON 1/7/2023 - $1,082.02 3) THE VALVE COVER, COVER GASKET, AND PCV VALVE HOSE ON 3/ 10/2023 - $840.96. 4)THE RADIATOR, COOLANT HOSES, HOSE CLAMPS, AND WATER PUMP ON 3/l 8/2023-3/ 19/2023 -$2,345.55
NHTSA complaint #11517609 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Worcester, MA
AIR BAGS
Passenger airbag not active even though an average sized (160 pound) adult is sitting there.This is very very dangerous.Apparently a pressure sensitive monitor in the passenger seat is not working correctly.I have read many many complaints about this on the Chevrolet Sonic on this website.This started out as a sporadic problem,but now is constant.
NHTSA complaint #11509427 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mcdermott, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This car just dies on me randomly while driving at high or low speeds and is very dangerous, the dash lights go out sound stops working and you have to stop put it in park and turn car off and restart to get it started again. I have had it to service department and there are no codes generated, this started back in 6/2021 and continues to be a problem
NHTSA complaint #11499123 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
